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Natural gems crafted by eternity

Majestic cliffs that jut up 200 meters from the ocean. A mysterious cavern boasting an
iridescent blue underground lake. Mountain ranges that soar 2000 meters high. Iwate is blessed at
every turn with beautiful nature that will take your breath away.

Towering 8km-long cliffs

The Kitayamazaki Cliffs rise 200m from the ocean and extend for 8km down the coast,
pushed up over time from a geological layer dating back more than 100 million years. Said
to be the most impressive and beautiful coastline in the whole of Japan, the area is also a
designated national park. Book a cruise to witness the full beauty of the cliffs from the
water.

A rocky white-stone coast lapped by gentle, blue waters

Off Jodogahama Beach is a series of volcanic rock formations dating from around 52
million years ago that are weathered into various shapes. You will find yourself reaching for
the camera when you see the green of the pines clinging to the top of the rocks, the bare
white rock and the gentle, crystal-clear blue waters.

A mysterious limestone cave that conceals a blue lake

Ryusendo is one of Japan’s three largest limestone caverns. Investigation of the cave
system is ongoing and it is said to reach up to 5km. Ryusendo features countless gallery-
worthy stalactites and stalagmites that take decades to grow a single centimeter and a
100m deep iridescent blue underground lake with some of the clearest water in the world.
Be lured into a fantastical subterranean world.

Adrift on a sea of clouds

When speaking of the landscapes of Iwate, the scenery of the western mountains cannot
be ignored. Mt. Iwate, rising to 2038m, has beautiful ridgelines reminiscent of Japan’s pre-
eminent peak, earning it the nickname “Iwate-Fuji”. It is the beloved symbol of Iwate. From
the viewing deck on top of Mt. Takashozu in the southwest of the prefecture, around dawn
in spring and autumn and depending on weather conditions, you can look down across a dreamy sea of clouds that blankets the valley floor.

A 100m bluff looms over still waters

At Geibikei Gorge, the river closes in as 100m-high bluffs loom overhead. The green trees
of summer give way to stunning orange hues in autumn, reflected in the still waters of the
river. In winter, when white snow is settled over everything, it is like entering a monochrome
ink print. Ride a narrow canoe down the river and take your time to absorb the changing
scenery of the season while you listen to the chant of the oarsman.